Ultraviolet Disinfection: A Safe, Effective, and Ecological Solution
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation disinfection is a physical water treatment technology used to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms without the addition of chemicals.
It relies on the germicidal action of UV-C rays (wavelength around 254 nm), which destroy the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, preventing them from reproducing.
This method is now essential in industrial, hospital, and pharmaceutical processes requiring controlled microbiological quality.
At SFEC, we supply and adapt UV disinfection systems for each application:
process water disinfection, pure or ultra-pure water circuits for pharmaceutical preparations.
Our objective: to guarantee safe water, free from biological contamination, while limiting the use of chemical disinfectants.
Operating Principle of a UV Reactor
The principle is based on water passing through a disinfection chamber equipped with one or more UV lamps protected by a quartz sleeve.
Key Treatment Steps:
Irradiation
Water passes through the reactor, exposed to UV-C light.
Inactivation
UV rays destroy the genetic material of microorganisms.
Dose Control
A sensor continuously monitors UV intensity and water optical transmission.
Automatic Cleaning
SFEC systems integrate mechanical or chemical cleaning devices to maintain quartz performance.
Our UV Disinfection Systems
SFEC offers a complete range of UV reactors covering the needs of public, industrial, hospital, and pharmaceutical facilities.
Standard UV Systems
- 316L Stainless Steel Body
- Low or Medium Pressure Lamps depending on Flow Rate
- Automatic Control with Intensity Controller
- Suitable for Hot and Cold Water Circuits
High-Performance UV Systems
- Reactors sized for high flow rates (> 50 m³/h)
- UV Dose Sensors validated according to DVGW or ÖNORM standards
- Electronic Management and Supervision via Industrial PLC
- Compatible with integrated treatment chains (reverse osmosis, filtration, softening)
Pharmaceutical UV Systems
- Hygienic Design (orbital welding, electrolytic polishing)
- Materials compliant with ACS, USP, FDA, and GMP
- Traceability and IQ/OQ Validation
- Reactors adapted for EP water, WFI, and purified water loops
Advantages of UV Disinfection
UV technology offers numerous operational and environmental benefits:
Effective Elimination of Microorganisms
Bacteria, viruses, and spores are instantly destroyed.
Treatment without Chemical Additives
Purely physical process, without residues.
No Alteration of Water Taste, Odor, or Composition
Preserves the physical and chemical integrity of water, without altering its organoleptic characteristics.
Simple Maintenance and Low Operating Costs
Fast and infrequent maintenance, ensuring maximum system availability.
Compliance with International Sanitary and Pharmaceutical Standards
Equipment and disinfection meeting the strictest sanitary requirements.
Areas of Application
UV disinfection is used in numerous industrial and collective contexts:
- Purified Water Loops and Water for Injection (WFI)
- Domestic Hot Water Networks in Hospital Environments
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Laboratories and Pharmaceutical Establishments
- Cosmetics and Fine Chemicals Processes
- Drinking Water Treatment Plants and Supplementary Treatments
- Pre-treatment Before or After Reverse Osmosis
Questions and Answers
Does UV Disinfection Replace Chlorine?
Depending on the case, it can fully replace it or act as a complement for enhanced safety.
Do UVs Eliminate all Microorganisms?
They inactivate 99.99% of germs, including resistant bacteria and viruses.
Is Regular Maintenance Required?
Yes: periodic lamp replacement and quartz cleaning ensure system performance.
Is UV Technology Suitable for Turbid Water?
No, prior filtration is recommended to ensure good UV transmission.
What is the Lifespan of a UV Lamp?
Approximately 8,000 to 12,000 hours depending on the model and operating mode.
Is Softening Sufficient to Produce Pure Water?
Can a UV System be Integrated into an Existing Installation?
SFEC, global water treatment expert
UV disinfection naturally integrates into the complete treatment chains we design:
- Filtration for water clarity,
- Softening to prevent scale,
- Reverse osmosis for pure water production
- UV Sterilization for microbiologically safe water.
SFEC supports its clients from design to maintenance, with high-performance turnkey solutions that comply with the strictest quality standards.
Do you wish to secure the microbiological quality of your water or integrate UV disinfection into your process?
Our experts advise and assist you in the selection and installation of the most suitable solution.